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Reade, Charles, 1814-1884

"A Woman-Hater"

"
He then dealt for red:
Knave of clubs--ace of diamonds--two of spades--king of spades--nine of
hearts: total, thirty-two.
"Red wins, because the cards dealt for red come nearer thirty-one.
Besides that," said he, "you can bet on the color, or against it. The
actual color of the first card the player turns up on the black line must
be black or red. Whichever happens to be it is called 'the color.' Say it
is red; then, if the black line of cards wins, color loses. Now, I will
deal again for both events.
"I deal for _noir."_
"Nine of diamonds. Red, then, is the actual color turned up on the black
line. Do you bet for it, or against it?"
"I bet for it," cried Zoe. "It's my favorite color."
"And what do you say on the main event?"
"Oh, red on that too."
"Very good. I go on dealing for _noir._ Queen of diamonds, three of
spades, knave of hearts--nine of spades: thirty-two. That looks ugly for
your two events, black coming so near as thirty-two. Now for red. Four of
hearts, knave of spades, seven of diamonds, queen of clubs--thirty-one,
by Jove! _Rouge gagne, et couleur._ There is nothing like courage. You
have won both events.


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